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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Tactical Operating Systems Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · Remote

$80K - $120K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... The candidate will work with Tactical Operating Environment, in support of Weapon System ...

SAIC

Tactical Operating Systems Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... The candidate will work with Tactical Operating Environment, in support of Weapon System ...

SAIC

Tactical Operating Systems Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Description SAIC has a need for a Tactical Operating Systems Engineer position to support the Naval ... The candidate will work with Tactical Operating Environment, in support of Weapon System ...

Athenix Solutions Group

System Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Working Knowledge and familiarity with Linux based operating systems and the Linux command line ... Basic Level - Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, and 6 years of relevant experience

Athenix Solutions Group

System Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Working Knowledge and familiarity with Linux based operating systems and the Linux command line ... Basic Level - Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, and 6 years of relevant experience

Exatech Solutions Inc

System Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Working Knowledge and familiarity with Linux based operating systems and the Linux command line ... Basic Level - Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, and 6 years of relevant experience

TTC, Inc.

System Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

... operating systems, directory services, identity management, access management, and automation. * Engineering experience in one or more of the following 3 disciplines: * Core Systems (Active Directory ...

TLA-LLC

System Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Experience: o Typically requires 3-5 years in systems engineering or administration. o Experience with operating systems like Linux and Windows Server, virtualization technologies such as VMware or ...

Future Technologies, Inc.

System Engineer

King George, VA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Install, configure, and maintain Linux (primarily RHEL and Ubuntu) and Windows operating systems ... Programming or development experience. * VMware or IaaS certifications. * Containerization ...

TLA-LLC

System Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

A Bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science or IT. • Experience: o Typically requires 3-5 years in systems engineering or administration. o Experience with operating systems ...

nLeague

Sr. System Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Experience working with Operating System Configuration/Administration (Windows/Linux) * Must ... Programming / Scripting languages (a plus) * TCP/IP networking - Window Server 2016 (a plus)

Cymertek

System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

System Engineer LOCATION Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Familiarity with operating systems * Experience with network protocols * Competency with scripting ...

Cymertek

System Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

System Engineer LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Familiarity with operating systems * Experience with network protocols * Competency with scripting ...

Cymertek

System Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

System Engineer LOCATION Tysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Familiarity with operating systems * Experience with network protocols * Competency with scripting ...

AT&T

Senior System Engineer (Government)

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107K - $146K/yr

Our AT&T National Security organization supports our Nation's Intelligence Community, operating and ... The Sr. System Engineer will work in conjunction with a matrixed team of systems engineers ...

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All JobsOperating System Engineer JobsOperating System Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Operating System Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$53K

$126.1K

$165.6K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in Virginia is $126,124.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,200.00 and $155,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an operating system engineer do?

An Operating System Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, maintaining, and optimizing operating systems that run on computers and servers. They work on the core components that manage hardware resources, enable software applications, and ensure system security and stability. Their duties often include writing system-level code, troubleshooting performance issues, implementing updates, and collaborating with hardware and software teams. Operating System Engineers play a critical role in ensuring that computing environments are efficient, reliable, and secure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operating system engineer?

To thrive as an Operating System Engineer, you need a deep understanding of computer science principles, operating system internals, and strong programming skills in languages like C, C++, or Rust, often backed by a relevant degree. Familiarity with kernel development, debugging tools, virtualization platforms, and experience with version control systems (such as Git) are typically required. Problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills ensure the reliability, performance, and security of operating systems, which are foundational to all computing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by operating system engineers when maintaining system stability in large-scale environments?

Operating System Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing software patching across diverse hardware, ensuring compatibility with legacy applications, and minimizing downtime during critical updates. In large-scale environments, balancing security with performance and reliability can be complex, especially when multiple teams depend on the systems. Effective communication with development, security, and IT operations teams is essential to address these issues proactively and maintain overall system stability.

What is the difference between Operating System Engineer vs System Administrator?

AspectOperating System EngineerSystem Administrator
Primary FocusDesigning, developing, and optimizing operating systemsMaintaining, configuring, and supporting existing systems
Skills & CertificationsLinux/Unix, scripting, OS architecture, certifications like RHCE or Linux FoundationSystem management, network setup, troubleshooting, certifications like CompTIA Server+ or Microsoft Certified
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, R&D, engineering projectsIT support, data centers, enterprise environments
Industry UsageTech companies, hardware firms, software developmentCorporate IT, government agencies, healthcare, finance

While both roles involve working with operating systems, Operating System Engineers focus on designing and developing OS solutions, whereas System Administrators manage and support existing systems. The roles complement each other but serve different stages of the system lifecycle.

What are popular job titles related to Operating System Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Operating System Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Operating System Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:

Operating System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,124 per year, or $60.6 per hour.

Tactical Operating Systems Engineer

SAIC

Dahlgren, VA • Remote

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 224 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2615641

Location: Dahlgren, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-08-13

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 25% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_REMOTE


Description

SAIC has a need for a Tactical Operating Systems Engineer position to support the Naval Surface Warfare Center Fleet Support, Branch at Dahlgren, Virginia. The successful candidate will participate in verifying the Operating Systems and Networks are specification compliant expertise installing, configuring, and troubleshooting Network Operating System with emphasis for time critical redundant paths and devices.

Must be able to interpret network configurations, and demonstrate expertise installing, configuring, and troubleshooting Network Operating System with emphasis for time critical redundant paths and devices.

The position requires competence in operational techniques and familiarity with Tactical Operating Environment, knowledge of Computer Operating Systems, UNIX/Linux, and Computer Networks practices. The candidate will work with Tactical Operating Environment, in support of Weapon System certification, testing, in laboratory and at-sea, deployment of software, and fleet support.

This is a remote position; however, candidates must be able to report on‑site when required.

Travel requirements: up to 35%, with travel primarily to CONUS and OCONUS Navy Stations.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree and a minimum of five (5) years of experience as a System Engineer with technical or operational experience in the related field. Additional years of experience may be accepted in lieu of degree
  • Experience installing, configuring, updating, and troubleshooting Operating Systems with Linux/Unix development and interpretation of Linux/Unix scripts at a High level of Linux/Unix command line functionality and principles
  • Knowledge of software‑ and hardware‑implemented RAID and the protocols that support RAID
  • Experience developing and proofing technical documentation
  • Must be able to travel up to 35%

Required Security Clearance:

  • Active Secret clearance

Desired:

  • Major DOD Weapon System technical or engineering experience
  • Electronic Technician level knowledge for Industrial applications and devices to include point to point communication protocols
  • Demonstrable knowledge of python, Perl, or other computer languages. Knowledge of Regular Expressions and their use
  • Able to interpret USN C-Level Weapon System Specifications then develop and execute test plans from the specifications
  • Network knowledge, above CCNA level, for layer two network redundancy protocols such as Port Channels, HSRP, Virtual Switching Systems, STP; static and dynamic routing protocols, and the theory of operation of network switches and routers.  Knowledge of TCP/IP protocol and analysis of TCP/IP captures

Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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